3. What is the formation like for the Christian Initiation of Children?

            “The Christian initiation of these children requires both a conversion that is personal and somewhat developed, in proportion to their age, and the assistance of the education they need” (RCIA 253).  Therefore, the children must receive a suitable formation, including catechesis adapted to their spiritual progress.  The children must demonstrate that they are ready to receive the Sacraments, so they must understand what they are about to receive.

Some Very Basic and Brief Examples of Content for the Sacraments of Initiation, excerpts from the “Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation” (RCIA 189-205):

            Jesus gives us the Sacraments in order to continue His saving work on earth.  Through the Sacraments we receive God’s grace.  We receive God’s life, become children of God, and heaven opens to us through sanctifying grace.  In the Sacraments, we also receive a grace called actual grace which helps us to see and do the right things.  The Sacraments are like channels of grace flowing from Jesus on the cross, through the Catholic Church to each of us.

We are first given sanctifying grace in Baptism.  “In Baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this Sacrament” (RCIA 311).  Baptism gives us new birth “through water and the Spirit”, where we truly become children of God.  We are “buried with Christ in the death of Baptism” and “rise also with Him to newness of life”.  All our sins are washed away, and Baptism opens the door to all of the other Sacraments.

In Confirmation we receive the Holy Spirit, thus more grace, in a fuller way through the laying on of hands and anointing of oil.  The Holy Spirit strengthens us to be active members of the Church and to be more like Christ.  Then we will be able to be good examples to others of what a Christian is.  As it says in the rite, through Confirmation we will be able to “build up the Body of Christ in faith and love” (RCIA.324).

The Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, feeds the life of Christ and His grace, dwelling within us, which was begun in Baptism.